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The Mysterious Edge of the Heroic World

(2007, Fiction - Mystery, Written by E. L. Konigsburg)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 9, age appropriate for kids over 10; suggested age 10.
  • Is it any good?

    4.0
  • Common Sense says

    Brilliant writing for brilliant kids.

updated 07.04.08

Why We Rated This on for Ages 10 and Up

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    Quotes from an art catalog give Hitler's racist views about Blacks and Jews.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence :

    References to spousal abuse, suicide, and Van Gogh's ear.
  • Sex :

    References to sperm, a prostitute, nude portraits, mating lovebugs, and fans who want to sleep with a star. A character is homosexual.
  • Language:

    "Damn," "hell," references to "the S word" and "the F word."
  • Consumerism:

    Department store, fast food.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Mrs. Zender drinks champagne.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About The Mysterious Edge of the Heroic World

Parents need to know that there are mentions of matters sexual and violent, but they're nothing more than glancing references. There is some mild swearing.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about the general historical background, and Hitler's specific views of art. Why would controlling art have been so important to a dictator like Hitler? Why would others risk their lives for it? What could make a painting so important? Also, the author is sometimes very subtle, and even gifted readers may need some help sorting out the story.
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  1. Kid Reviewer
    Age 11
    Anonymous
    Lives in Tennessee
    I rate this title iffy for age 2 and give it 5.0

    Most awesome book for pre-teens

    the most awesomest book ever

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